Portable detection apparatus for beverage ingredients

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention relate to portable detection apparatus, comprising one or more detector regions adapted to visually indicate the presence or amount of an analyte in a beverage. The detection apparatus is shaped substantially the same as a consumer product.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This present application claims the benefit under 35. U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/059,565 filed Jun. 6, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The detection of various ingredients in beverages is desirable for a number of reasons, but most importantly for health and safety. Some beverages advertised as non-caffeinated or sugar-free may actually contain those substances. In addition, the placement of illicit drugs in beverages is on the rise.

Most detection methods of such substances are straightforward in a laboratory setting. But the detection methods have not been successfully carried over to portable devices for use in a social setting. For those devices or apparatus that do exist, they are often bulky and easily identifiable. This leads to a reluctance of the user to utilize the apparatus in public.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes represent different instances of substantially similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portable detection apparatus with detection strips, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a portable detection apparatus with match-shaped detection probes, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a portable detection apparatus shaped as a consumer's makeup compact, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a portable detection apparatus utilizing removable detection units, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a portable detection apparatus utilizing a removable detection cartridge, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a portable detection apparatus utilizing a stirrer or straw-shape, according to some embodiments.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention relate to portable detection apparatus, comprising one or more detector regions adapted to visually indicate the presence or amount of an analyte in a beverage. The detection apparatus is shaped substantially the same as a consumer product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used to include one or more than one and the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or” unless otherwise indicated. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein, and not otherwise defined, is for the purpose of description only and not of limitation. Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

Embodiments of the invention relate to a portable detection apparatus for use with beverages. The apparatus may be shaped as to be easily portable and also inconspicuous in a social setting. The apparatus may be shaped as various small, consumer items, such as match books, makeup compacts, straws, stirrers, etc. The apparatus may be able to detect one or more ingredients in a beverage. The apparatus may detect whether a drink contains caffeine and may be able to identify how much caffeine is present. The apparatus may detect the presence and amount of sugar, which may be very valuable to diabetics. For public safety reasons, it may be desirable to test for the presence of illicit drugs. Examples of illicit drugs that may be detectable include GHB (gamma hydroxybutryate), ketamine, Rohypnol® (flunitrazepam), methadone, opiates, marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines and their metabolites and ecstasy (MDMA). The apparatus may also be utilized to detect bacteria and other beverage contaminants.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view 100 of a portable detection apparatus with detection strips is shown, according to some embodiments. A match book shaped apparatus 102 may include one or more analyte detection strips 104 or regions on a strip. Each strip may detect one or more analytes when contacted with a beverage sample. For example, the strip 104 may detect caffeine, another strip 106 may detect sugar content and a third strip 108 may detect three types of illicit drugs.

Caffeine may be one substance detected. The detector region or strips 104 may be impregnated with a reagent that changes color when reacted with caffeine. The degree of color change may then be proportional to the concentration of caffeine in the beverage. The apparatus may be provided with a graded color chart which can be compared to the color of the strip 104 so as to ascertain the concentration of caffeine in the beverage. The strip or detector region may include a beverage dipping section; an adjacent temperature moderation section; and an adjacent reagent-impregnated section. The beverage may be wicked from its container to the reagent-impregnated section of the strip. In this manner, the reagent may never directly admix with the beverage in the container.

Caffeine may be detected by utilizing a xanthine oxidase enzyme reaction to produce a chromogenic change on the detector region. The reagent section of the region may contain xanthine oxidase enzyme coupled with a horseradish peroxidase enzyme; a buffer (pH 7.5 phosphate buffer); and a chromogen which produces a color change on the detector region when a coupled enzymatic reaction takes place. The xanthine oxidase may be immobilized by cross linking with a reagent such as glutaraldehyde on a surface which may be coated with a material such as gelatin, polyacrylamide, alginates, or the like. The reaction of O₂ and caffeine in the presence of the xanthine oxidase enzyme produces hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and oxidized caffeine. The H₂O₂ formed reacts with the chromogen in the presence of the peroxidase enzyme to produce an oxidized form of the chromogen whose hue varies with the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, and thus caffeine. The calibration strip, or a separate calibration chart, with fixed colors for different concentration ranges may be compared with the color produced by the beverage of unknown caffeine content in order to complete the analysis.

Another example may utilize an apoenzyme reactivation reaction to produce a chromogenic change in the region area. The reagent section of the strip or region may contain monoclonal antibodies reactive against caffeine; a caffeine conjugate labeled with flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD); apoglucose oxidase which reacts with unbound caffeine conjugate; a chromogen buffer; and peroxidase. Competitive binding between caffeine and caffeine conjugate on the antibody releases more conjugate for reaction with the apoglucose enzyme thereby increasing the amount of hydrogen peroxide produced by the glucose oxidase reaction. The chromogen color will vary in hue depending on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, and thus on caffeine concentration. Again, a calibration chart with fixed colors may be used to complete the quantitative assay. In both methods described above, chromogens which could be used include potassium iodide (KI) chromogen, tetramethylbenzidine, and homovanillic acid.

Another method of detection may include a first region including phosphodiesterase enzyme, a second region including cyclic AMP, and a means for indicating inhibition of degradation of the cyclic AMP by the phosphodiesterase due to the presence of caffeine or the like. The method includes contacting a portion of the beverage with a phosphodiesterase enzyme and cyclic AMP, and further contacting the portion with the means for indicating the inhibition, typically a pH indicator paper.

The caffeine may also be detected by using a molecular imprint polymer (MIP) as a chromatographic medium. A “molecular imprint polymer” is a polymer which is prepared by polymerizing monomers around a template or “print” molecule, which is then removed from the polymer by extraction or other means so that the polymer will selectively absorb the template or print molecule upon re-exposure to the print molecule. U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,311, U.S. Pat. No. 5,872,198, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,959,050, issued Oct. 13, 1998, Feb. 16, 1999, and Sep. 28, 1999, respectively, to Mosbach, et al. describe certain MIP polymers, a polymerization process, and symmetrical beads produced by suspension polymerization from functional monomers for use as chromatographic media. U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,223 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,445, issued Sep. 29, 1998 and Jun. 29, 1999, respectively, to Hjerten, et al., disclose a gel type chromatographic media and method for preparing the media, the media being formed by a molecular imprint polymer prepared from a nonionizable polymerizable substance which is nonreactive to the imprinted molecule.

Further examples of caffeine detection are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,610,072; U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,454; U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,554; U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,873; U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,665; U.S. Pat. App. No. 2008/0095912; U.S. Pat. No. App. No. 2002/0132358; and U.S. Pat. App. No. 2001/0009758, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

To detect sugars, a detection region may be impregnated with the enzymes glucose oxidase (Aspergillus Niger) and peroxidase (horseradish), and a color indicator. When a sugary beverage reaches the indicator section, the glucose may be oxidized to gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide, with glucose oxidase acting as a catalyst. The hydrogen perxide oxidizes an oxygen acceptor to provide visible color change. Alternatively, the detector region may be impregnated with glucose oxidase, peroxidase, o-Tolidine, 3-Amino-9 (y-aminopropyle)-carbazole-dihydrochloride, buffer, and non-reactive ingredients. When a sugary beverage reaches the indicator section, the reaction previously described takes place. Examples of sugar detection may be found in U.S. Pat. App. 2003/0111003.

Illicit drugs may be detected in a number of ways. A beverage sample suspected of containing GHB may be contacted with a first oxidoreductase selective for GHB and an oxidized cofactor. In the presence of GHB in the sample, the first oxidoreductase oxidizes GHB to succinic semialdehyde and reduces the cofactor. The reduced cofactor thus produced can be detected directly, or a hydride abstractor can be used that abstracts a hydride from the reduced cofactor and produces a detectable change. The hydride abstractor can be a second oxidoreductase that oxidizes the reduced cofactor and produces a detectable change in a chromogen or dye. A visual change may then be produced, allowing performance of the assay outside of a laboratory setting. Examples of detection of GHB and other illicit drugs are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,703,216; 7,238,533, U.S. Pat. App. No. 2008/0102483; U.S. Pat. App. No. 2003/0044989; U.S. Pat. App. No. 2001/0046710, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view 200 of a portable detection apparatus with match-shaped detection probes is shown, according to some embodiments. A match book shaped apparatus 102 may include one or more analyte detection probes 204 shaped or disguised as matches. The detection chemicals may be positioned in the head 202 of the match, in the body of the match or in both, for example.

Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view 300 of a portable detection apparatus shaped as a consumer's makeup compact is shown, according to some embodiments. A detection apparatus may be shaped to various configurations that are easy to carry and are inconspicuous. The apparatus may be a compact shaped apparatus 302. The compact detector 302 may include one or more detection regions 304, 306 and an applicator 308. The optional applicator 308 may be used to apply a sample of a beverage to the detection regions. The detector regions may be individual detection units 402 (see view 400 in FIG. 4) that are removable or replaceable. The units 402 may be disposable or cleaned and re-used depending on the type of detection performed. The detector units or regions may make up a detector cartridge 502 (see view 500 in FIG. 5). The cartridge 502 may be removable or replaceable, for example.

Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view 600 of a portable detection apparatus utilizing a stirrer or straw-shape is shown, according to some embodiments. The apparatus may be shaped as a straw 602 or swizzle stick (stirrer) 606. One or more detector regions 604 may be positioned so as to easily contact a beverage. 

1. A portable detection apparatus, comprising: one or more detector regions, adapted to visually indicate the presence or amount of an analyte in a beverage; wherein the detection apparatus is shaped substantially the same as a consumer product.
 2. The portable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the consumer product comprises a match book, makeup compact, straw or stirrer.
 3. The portable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the analyte comprises one or more of caffeine, sugar or illicit drugs.
 4. The portable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the analyte comprises one or more of GHB (gamma hydroxybutryate), ketamine, Rohypnol® (flunitrazepam), methadone, opiates, marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines and their metabolites and ecstasy (MDMA).
 5. The portable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the analyte comprises bacteria.
 6. The portable detection apparatus of claim 2, wherein the one or more detector regions are integrated into a probe that substantially resembles a match within a match book shaped apparatus.
 7. The portable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more detector regions are removable.
 8. The portable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more detector regions are disposable.
 9. The portable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more detector regions form a replaceable cartridge.
 10. A portable detection apparatus, comprising: a replaceable cartridge; one or more detector regions, adapted to visually indicate the presence or amount of an analyte in a beverage and positioned within the cartridge; wherein the detection apparatus is shaped substantially the same as a consumer product.
 11. The portable detection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one or more detector regions are reusable.
 12. The portable detection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one or more detector regions are disposable.
 13. The portable detection apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a colored indicator strip, adapted for comparison to the one or more detector regions after contacting a beverage.
 14. The portable detection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the consumer product comprises a match book, makeup compact, straw or stirrer.
 15. The portable detection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the analyte comprises one or more of caffeine, sugar or illicit drugs.
 16. The portable detection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the analyte comprises one or more of GHB (gamma hydroxybutryate), ketamine, Rohypnol® (flunitrazepam), methadone, opiates, marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines and their metabolites and ecstasy (MDMA).
 17. The portable detection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the analyte comprises bacteria. 